For Chinese students applying for undergraduate study in England, the hardest aspect is making sure their level of English proficiency meets standards. Usually, English universities demand that prospective students have an IELTS score of at least 5.5, or a TOEFL score of 530 or greater, otherwise students must first complete language courses or go to a language school. Besides this, tuition costs for study in England are high, and the average Chinese family would be hard pressed to come up with enough money.

However, there are a couple ways to get there. One way to study in England is by going through language course program. These language programs are comprised of language strengthening courses, study skill improvement coaching, and foundation courses for one's desired major. The candidates for such courses are usually high school graduates with 1-2 years of university or college education. This method usually takes one year, after which students can attend undergraduate courses.

Some famous institutes of higher education in England such as London University, Birmingham University, and Aston University all have these types of program offerings. Another method for studying in England is to take the high school high level test course program (A-level).

That program lasts two years, and students with passing scores can directly go on to undergraduate studies. That program is suitable for students who have already completed one to two years of high school study in China. All of England's universities acknowledge A-level scores, however applying for and studying through this program demands strong English abilities for prospective students.